Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters, 1780
School & Education Programs
All of our programs are inquiry based and object-driven; using objects, images, and documents to encourage students to use critical thinking skills. Each program incorporates an object investigation into a guided tour of the Dey Mansion Museum.
Suggested Grades 1-3
Life Long Ago
What is "the past" and how was life different for people long ago? Our youngest visitors will gain an understanding of what we call “the past” by examining the everyday objects of long ago and comparing them to the things that we use today.
Suggested Grades 4-8
Colonial Life
The Dey Family lived during a remarkable time in our country’s history. In this program students will learn to think like historians and study everyday objects from the past to uncover information about colonial life.
Dey Mansion & the American Revolution
George Washington slept here! As a matter of fact he did more than that. The Dey Mansion served as Washington’s headquarters during the summer and fall of 1780 and in this program students will discover the role of the Mansion and its strategic location within the Preakness Valley during the fight for Independence.
Suggested Grades 9-12
Being a Historian
Through the examination of primary sources students will piece together the story of the American Revolution as it unfolded for both sides of the battle. Would you have been a Loyalist and stay on the side of the King or would you have been a Rebel fighting for Independence? Using evidence from maps and other primary source documents students will gain an understanding of the choice colonists were faced with and the possible impacts the decision would make on their life and livelihood.


Reserve Your Program
Programs generally run 90 minutes and can accommodate 35 students at max. One (1) chaperone is required for every 10 students.
Contact us as soon as you know what day you would like to reserve your programs.
To reserve a school program, please contact us by phone 973-706-6640 or email Jessicab@passaiccountynj.org
Reservation Information
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Programs are offered :
Monday-Friday (except holidays)
9:30am-2:00pm (exceptions granted)
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Fees: $5/student, required chaperones at no cost. Cash, checks, and Purchase Orders accepted. Please make payment out to: County of Passaic
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Permits and Certificate of Insurance are required for all school programs. Forms are available for download. Original signatures are required.
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Visit Confirmation: You will receive a reservation form with all of the information related to your visit. Payment is required two (2) weeks in advance and reservations are not confirmed until payment has been received.
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Lunches: Classes may bring bag lunches and take advantage of our outdoor picnic tables.
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Cancellation Policy: Please allow 48 hours for cancellations. The Dey Mansion does not offer refunds for canceled programs but will apply credit towards a re-scheduled visit.